Virus and Spyware Prevention

Below are a few things you can do to minimize your PC's exposure to viruses
and spyware...

• Install a hardware firewall that supports SPI and NAT (a router to
  hide your IP address from the world), or ZoneAlarm if you have a dial-up
  connection.
• Install a software firewall like ZoneAlarm if you don't have a
  hardware option. The firewall included with XP service pack 2 only provides
  minimal protection.
• Avoid using peer-to-peer file sharing programs like KaZaA, Morpheus,
  BearShare, Grokster, LimeWire, BitTorrent, etc. (remember, nothing is FREE).
• Avoid porn, dating and/or bootleg software web sites.
• Get one or more spyware programs, perform periodic scans and keep
  them up-to-date.
• Read the EULA (End User License Agreement) carefully before
  installing ANY new software.
• Avoid sharing your computer with other family/office members. If you
  must share your computer, monitor the activity. Disable Fast User Switching.
• Stop using Internet Explorer as your primary browser. Get FireFox.
• Avoid opening email with a suspicious subject heading and turn
  pain-preview off.
• Install anti-virus software and keep it up-to-date.
• Keep Windows up-to-date by turning on automatic updates.
• Disable IM software (AOL, Messenger, IRC, etc.) from running at
  startup.
• Never register hardware or software! This WILL NOT prevent you from
  getting support.
• Be skeptical of electronic greeting cards. Bogus greeting cards are
  a common method of malware distribution.